Travel Guide Nosy Be
Off the northwest coast of Madagascar, the paradise island of Nosy Be offers a timeless getaway where you can see whales and whale sharks several months a year. It is a small archipelago very touristic and with a great wealth of biodiversity. The nature reserve of Lokobé, in the south-east of the island, is home to chameleons, geckos and batrachians, while the Lemuria Land park allows the observation of lemurs, small endemic primates of Madagascar, as well as reptiles and many exotic birds. In Hell-Ville, the capital, one of the most touristic cities of Madagascar, you will discover colonial buildings and a 19th century distillery where the essential oil of the emblematic and very perfumed ylang-ylang flower is extracted. Recommended by the tourist guides of the destination: the covered market of the city, rich in colors, scents and flavors. You can eat fish dishes, the famous zebu steak with lime, chicken with vanilla and fruits galore. You will go on an excursion to Mount Passo, an ancient volcano, for the view of the Mozambique Channel, discover the marine park of Nosy Tanikely where you can dive in the middle of exotic fishes and visit Nosy Komba, the second big island of the Nosy Be archipelago, known as the lemur island, at 15 minutes by boat from Hell Ville. This paradise of preserved nature is revealed along hiking trails. You will not miss Marodoka, the original village of the island, an ancient Swahili village with Indian and Arab influences. You will also enjoy the white sand beaches of the archipelago.
What to visit Nosy Be?
Suggested addresses Nosy Be
When to go to Nosy Be?
When to discover Nosy Be? The best time to go to Nosy Be is from May to October. In fact, there is only January, very rainy and not very suitable for a stay. Enjoying pleasant temperatures all year round, Madagascar can still be visited 365 days a year. July and August are the high tourist season. Flights are then very busy and fares are higher. If you are travelling at this time of year, it is advisable to book your return flight and domestic air travel in advance. October, the first fortnight of November, the end of the year holidays and Easter holidays are also times when there are many tourists. In January, February and March, many travel agencies and some hotels close. The months of April, May, September, October and November are particularly appreciated, as they correspond to the dry period and air fares correspond to the low season. April to October is the right time to observe whales and whale sharks.
Weather at the moment
Nosy Be has a tropical climate. The average temperature is 23°C. During most of the year, rainfall is important in Nosy Be. The average annual temperature in Nosy Be is 23. The "coolest" months are July and August with temperatures around 20 °C. From November to March, it is the southern summer, the rainy season. From the end of December to the end of February is the cyclone season. From April to October is the austral winter, the dry season.
Madagascar uses Ariary (MGA or Ar). The standard of living in Madagascar is very low. It is possible to stay on a very small budget. But if you stay in a luxury hotel and offer gourmet restaurants, expeditions and private water outings, the price can quickly rise. You can withdraw local currency with your credit card at bank counters.
Foreigners visiting Madagascar for tourism must have a passport valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry. In addition to the passport, an entry visa is required. The single-entry tourist visa is issued either by Malagasy diplomatic or consular representations, at the airport, upon payment of the corresponding fee, the rate of which increases according to the duration of the stay.
A stay in Madagascar requires a minimum of precautions. Protect yourself from mosquitoes (dengue fever, malaria) and avoid tap water. No vaccine is required except for the update of the DT-polio. Recommended: hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever. Some doctors may offer you the rabies vaccine. Your doctor can recommend antimalarial treatment. In general, provide medication for diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, bandages, compresses and enough to disinfect an injury. And don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Nosy Be? Our advice & tips
Many tour operators offer stays in Madagascar with a visit to Nosy Be, or even stays in Nosy Be. They are often stays combining nautical and seaside pleasures and discovery of the biodiversity with escapades in the middle of nature. Everything is organized in all inclusive, you have the choice of options and budgets.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationGoing alone to Nosy Be is not a problem. You land at Fascene International Airport and then take a boat to Nosy Be from Ankary Harbour. On site, small local agencies offer their services to take you to the sea or hike in a natural park. You can also walk alone. However, it is always better to report your movements. You can stay with the locals and eat in small local restaurants to live in Malagasy style. You can also rent luxury houses with swimming pool. But in general, your stay will be cheaper than an organized trip.
Malagasy roads are of poor quality and quite dangerous, with poor signage. You will hardly find a car rental company that agrees to provide you with a car without a driver. Often your driver will also be your guide and will allow a real exchange with the inhabitants. Bush taxis are a good compromise. You also travel by boat between the islands.
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